Monday, July 13, 2009

CAP: The collapse of marriage

To quote Time magazine's cover story this week: "No other single force is causing as much measurable hardship in this country as the collapse of marriage." Many times when we see marriage discussed in the media, the reports are disheartening and discouraging. Even this week, we have yet another attack on the federal Defense of Marriage Act launched by the state of Massachusetts. However, for once it's nice to have a positive article to share from this week's TIME. The article is titled "Is There Hope for the American Marriage?" and explains how we as a society have devalued marriage by making it all about fulfilling our own selfish desires and needs instead of about sacrificial love and raising the next generation. As a result, we have a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately mentality that causes so many marriages to end in heartbreaking divorce - with absolutely devastating costs to our children. As Time states: "The fundamental question we must ask ourselves at the beginning of the century is this: What is the purpose of marriage? Is it...simply an institution that has the capacity to increase the pleasure of the adults who enter into it?...Or is marriage an institution that still holds to its old intention and function - to raise the next generation, to protect and teach it, to instill in it the habits of conduct and character that will ensure the generation's own safe passage into adulthood?"...What we teach about the true meaning of marriage will determine a great deal about our fate." I encourage you to take a few minutes and read this article's assessment of the state of marriage in our country.


Standing for Marriage

Consider how you are standing for marriage today in your own household, church, and community. One way to learn more about strengthening marriages and protecting our children's future is by attending an upcoming marriage conference hosted by our friends at Association of Marriage and Family Ministries. Make a difference for marriage by attending the AMFM National Marriage and Family Ministry Training Conference, August 3-7 in Phoenix. The conference is offering a special rate for Arizona churches through July 22.

Decision Day on Monday

Governor Brewer has until Monday to decide on the pro-life, pro-family bills on her desk. If you haven't already, please take time to respond to CAP's Action Alerts on the pro-life and school choice measures here, and please pray for Gov. Brewer to sign these bills into law. We'll do our best to let you know Gov. Brewer's decisions as soon as we find out.

Truth Project Stories Needed

If you've participated in a Truth Project small group, you know the difference this incredible program can make. Well, we want to hear from you about how Truth Project has impacted you and others. Your testimonies will motivate and inspire others to get involved. Please send us your stories to truthproject@azpolicy.org.


Eyes on Washington, D.C.

On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee begins hearings on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. Pay attention! Court decisions impact virtually every issue of critical importance to our families. Much attention has been given to whether a woman makes a difference as a judge or not. These arguments lack any merit and do not deserve consideration. Now, current Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg once again has revealed just how far-reaching her views in general and in particular her pro-abortion views are in this New York Times interview.

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